March 2017

Bruce Fink
President and Partner
Enterprise Lighting Sales (ELS) 


Q: How did you first get started in the lighting industry?
I started out as a sales manager for Puritan Lighting, a small, independent New York manufacturer, and in addition to the management responsibilities I called on architects and designers. Three years later I started my own agency with Puritan as my first manufacturer. That was over a quarter of a century ago! About 20 years ago, the firm sub-repped Enterprise Lighting Sales (ELS) and vice versa. This arrangement led to the merging of Bruce Fink Sales with ELS. Back then, we had nine employees between the two companies — today, we have close to 60.

Q: How did you first get involved in the IESNYC?
Actually, I joined the Long Island Section of the IES when I was working at Puritan, and served as president of IESLI for two terms. I've been a proud member of the IESNYC since working at ELS's office in Manhattan. As one of the owners of a large agency, I’m always asked to do the “big” things for the Section, and I take that challenge very seriously. As ELS has been a Platinum sponsor of the Section for over a decade, I am fully vested in the success of IESNYC programs and initiatives.

Q: How do you see your role as member of the IESNYC?
In addition to supporting the IESNYC as a Platinum sponsor, my partners and I proudly pay for the memberships of first year students attending New York City colleges and universities. If an ELS employee wants to become a member of the IESNYC, the company pays for their membership. In addition, we try to make it easy for ELS employees to become involved in the Section, and are happy to give them the time and space to do so. ELS's Brad Telias has been the Section's long-standing treasurer, and Anna Kim is the Section's bookkeeper. Personally, the Section gives me a platform to talk to the new, younger members of the industry and make them feel welcome.

Q: In your opinion, what are the best assets of the IESNYC?
The IESNYC, through its many endeavors, helps make sure we are a community. It gives us a means to move beyond our own personal concerns, and work together for the industry’s benefit. I am proud to be a part of this community. I wanted lighting to be more than just a job, and I find that the IESNYC is the best avenue for accomplishing exactly that.